Kaizer Chiefs striker faces January exit after difficult start

Kaizer Chiefs striker Etiosa Ighodaro could be on his way out of the club during the next transfer window following a difficult start to life at Naturena.

The 25-year-old Nigerian has struggled to find his feet, failing to make a significant impact in the seven matches he has played for Amakhosi.

With Flavio Silva battling injuries, Ighodaro was given an opportunity to lead the attack but has struggled to deliver the goals Chiefs desperately need.

Head coach Fernando Da Cruz was forced to rely heavily on his wingers, with both Silva and Khanyisa Mayo spending time on the sidelines through injury.

Chiefs striker battling to adapt

This week, Da Cruz admitted that Ighodaro was still struggling to adapt to the team’s style of play.

“Mayo is not far; he’s a quality player, but for this game he was not physically ready to play this type of game. He must walk into the game, and with Ighodaro, he needs to understand the game model, so we’ll work with him,” the Chiefs coach told the media.

With Mayo closing in on full fitness and Silva gradually finding his feet, opportunities at Chiefs could become increasingly limited for the Nigerian striker.

Ighodaro’s last appearance for Chiefs came in September, raising further questions about his immediate future at the club.

The January transfer window could provide an opportunity for Amakhosi to offload the striker, particularly with Elias Mokwana reportedly closing in on a move to Naturena.

Should Mokwana arrive and the other attacking options return to full fitness, Ighodaro could find himself further down the pecking order as Chiefs look to strengthen their attacking department.